Tug boats for sale

Used tugs for sale

Above you will find the tug boats we currently have for sale, with their main particulars: length, power, bollard pull, propulsion, year of build and class. Full specifications are available on request; please contact us with the folio number. Our published listings are only part of the market. If you need a specific bollard pull, propulsion type or year of build, send us your requirements and we will approach owners directly, including owners of tugs that are not advertised.

Which type of tug do you need?

• ASD tugs – azimuth stern drive tugs with two steerable thrusters aft. They can push and pull in any direction, which makes them the standard for harbour assistance and ship handling. Our listings include a 25 m ASD tug of 3,200 bhp with approx. 45 t bollard pull.
• Conventional twin-screw tugs – fixed propellers and rudders, simpler to operate and maintain. Widely used for towing barges and pontoons, coastal towage and general work on dredging and construction projects, such as our 21 m twin-screw tug of 1,615 kW with towing winch.
• Anchor handling tugs – larger tugs built for towing, anchor handling and positioning work offshore and on marine projects, such as our newbuild 32 m twin-screw anchor handling tug with 70 t bollard pull ahead and fire-fighting class.

For smaller jobs, a multicat or workboat often combines towing with crane and anchor handling work.

What does a tug cost?

There is no list price for a used tug. The price depends mainly on:

• Bollard pull and engine power – the main measure of what a tug can do.
• Propulsion – ASD and other azimuth tugs are generally valued above conventional tugs of the same size.
• Age, yard and engines – year of build, builder, engine make and running hours since overhaul.
• Class and certificates – class status, navigation area and the date of the next special survey.
• Equipment – towing winch or hook, anchor handling gear, fire-fighting class, accommodation.
• Location – the cost and time of delivering the tug to your port.

Please contact us for a realistic market price for a specific tug, or read more about our valuation services.

Bollard pull, power and propulsion

Bollard pull is the pulling force a tug delivers at zero speed, measured in tonnes during a bollard pull test. It depends on engine power, but also on propeller design and propulsion type, so two tugs with the same power can have a different bollard pull. Buyers therefore compare a certified bollard pull rather than horsepower alone, together with the propulsion type, draught and the towing equipment on deck. The bollard pull you need follows from the size of the ships or barges you will handle and the conditions in your port or on your project.

Typical applications

• Harbour assistance and ship handling
• Towing split hopper barges, pontoons and crane barges
• Anchor handling and positioning of cutter suction dredgers and floating pipelines
• Coastal and ocean towage
• Support for marine construction and offshore projects

Buying a tug through Boogaard Brokers

We guide the purchase from first enquiry to delivery: we check specifications and documents, coordinate inspections and bollard pull records, negotiate the terms and prepare the Memorandum of Agreement and closing documents. Read more about our brokerage services.

• Specialists since 1923 in dredging and marine construction equipment
• Sourcing on request from owners worldwide, published or not
• Worldwide network of buyers and sellers
• In-house valuation by EMCI-registered valuers

Want to sell a tug? List your vessel with us.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an ASD tug and a conventional tug?

An ASD tug has two azimuth thrusters at the stern that can turn 360°, so it can deliver full power in any direction. A conventional tug has fixed propellers with rudders and works best pulling ahead. ASD tugs are preferred for ship handling in ports; conventional tugs remain a cost-effective choice for towing and project work.

What bollard pull do I need?

That depends on the size of the ships or barges, the wind, current and waves you expect, and whether the tug works alone or together with other tugs. Tell us what the tug will be used for and we will advise on a suitable range.

Can you find a tug that is not listed?

Yes. Many tugs change hands without being advertised. Send us the bollard pull, propulsion type, year of build, class and delivery area you need, and we will approach owners for you.

How do I sell my tug?

Send us the main particulars, bollard pull certificate, class status and recent photos via List your vessel, or contact us directly. We advise on a realistic asking price and present the tug discreetly to buyers worldwide.